Associated PressFred, right, and Jeff Wilpon are said to have compiled a list of "five to seven" general manager candidates.

Call them the "Magnificent Five-to-Seven."

The Wilpons have reportedly whittled a list of 32 potential candidates for the Mets' general manager vacancy down to "five to seven."

Over the next few weeks, we'll be attempting to compile that master list based on media reports.

Speculative "so and so could be interested" stories won't put a candidate on the list. We're looking for journalists who are coming out and saying the Mets are seeking an interview.

Here's where we stand today:

1. Dan JenningsMets have asked for permission to speak with the Marlins assistant GM and respected talent evaluator, according to the Palm Beach Post and ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick on Twitter. The Marlins are "unlikely" to grant permission for an interview, with Jennings under contract through 2015, according to the Miami Herald. However, Crasknick reports Jennings has a short list of teams he can interview with without the Marlins consent, and the Mets are on it.2. Sandy AldersonThe Mets are "definitely" considering the mastermind of the A's powerhouse of the late '80s, Andy Martino of the Daily News posted on Twitter. Alderson, now 62 and working for the commissioner's office, was the guy who hired Billy Beane and pioneered the statistics-driven philosophy that ushered in the "Moneyball" movement. Martino reported today that Commish Bud Selig has given the Mets the OK to talk to Alderson.

3.Rick HahnChicago White Sox VP/assistant GM will interview with Mets next week, according to ESPN.com. Baseball America voted Hahn the No. 1 GM prospect in the game this year. Hahn is said to be sabermetrics/physical scouting mix and has been instrumental in contract negotiations in ChiTown.

4. Josh ByrnesThe Mets will interview the former Arizona GM next week, a team spokesman said. Former young genius got the Snakes to the NLCS in 2007 and was given an 8-year contract, but got the boot this season after a few last place finishes. Known for locking up young talent to team-friendly contracts.

5. Allard BairdFormer Royals GM of six years will interview with the team next week, according to ESPNNewYork.com's Adam Rubin. Has been serving as Theo Epstein's right-hand man, heading up the Sawx' pro scouting department.